aka the adventures of blueskygirlie: I'm a part-time marketing consultant/social media content creator, a part-time style blogger and a full-time fashion obsessive! I am also a seller of fabulous vintage treasures via Etsy, a mum to a blended family & here to help to prove you can be over 40 & still look great! I dropped 5 dress sizes between my 30's and my 40's and now run 5k 3 times a week. I changed my life and this blog helps me to share what I'm discovering along the way…
So, I’ve been trying to ‘buy less and buy better’ as my wardrobe was bulging at the seams with lots of ‘bargains’ that really weren’t that great. This has meant an end to big Primark hauls and the beginning of more careful shopping…
…well kind of! The other day I allowed myself a visit with the rule I could spend just £20 and anything I bought needed to fit into my AW16 wardrobe.
So what did I get with my £20? Well a pretty wonderful mix of things if I do say so myself! Take a look…
Pattern shirt – £7.00
A shirt covered in pineapples, ladybirds, stars, butterlies, hearts, cacti, eyes and much more you say? How could I say no! This is an amazing price and they also do a cute dark blue stars version. I sized up for a looser fit and it looks great with a pair of skinnies.
Brogues – £5 (was £12)
A classic brogue will never go out of style and this shoe is perfect for Autumn. I loved the no laces (I hate messy styling) and the studs add a cool edge. Plus they are super comfortable.
Leopard print blouse – £3 (was £8)
I love a bit of leopard print and this top is effortlessly stylish. Easy to throw on, with a slightly dipped hem back and the exposed zip at the back adds that bit of luxe detailing.
Gold flats – £3 (were £8)
Party season is nearly upon us and I am not a heels lover. I looked at these when they were full price and passed but for the price of a glossy magazine? I just had to!
Sunglasses – £1/pair (were £3/pair)
Ok I know summer is over but you can never have too many sunglasses. As well as a couple of designer pairs (which I keep for years) I like to have a few cheap and cheerful pairs that I can leave in the car or my handbag and dont have to worry if they get broken/lost.
So thats my mini haul! I think I stayed within my rules and have already worn the shirt and brogues loads, so for me its £20 well spent.
Wanting to update my hair colour for winter and looking for a new home hair dye, I decided to take the Olia challenge and home-dye my hair using the Garnier brand. Fearne Cotton has been promoting the challenge and you can upload a before and after pic to their website for the change to be entered into a competition to win a £5000 shopping spree! Also if you buy the product at Superdrug you can claim your money back too – so basically try it for free. I only found this out after I’d bought mine somewhere else but you can find out more here.
Its always a bit nerve wracking trying a new hair dye brand and after the 48hr allergy test I unpacked my hair dye and dived in hoping for the best! I needed 2 packs for my long, quite thick hair and went for shade 4.6 Deep Red.
The instructions were pretty simple and the dye mixed up easily and the packing doubled as a stand which I though was quite clever. The application was easy using the teardrop shape bottle and the product itself wasnt too runny which was good.
I wasn’t as impressed with the large, loose gloves and much prefer the tighter latex gloves I’ved used with other brands so I think next time I will use a spare set of latex gloves rather than the ones provided.
I waited the 30 minutes and then washed it off. Going for a deeper colour meant it too ages for the water to run clear but then I did use two packs.
Some tips for a home dye
Preparation! Make sure you have old towels, baby wipes and clips if you have long hair to make the process as easy as possible. Clear at least 45mins for the task – you dont want to be moving around too much once the dye is on.
Do an allegy test 48hrs before – better to be safe than sorry!
Use Vaseline to create a barrier between your hairline and skin. This really stops drips and having to wash tons of dye from yourself.
Use a timer – its important to follow the manufacturers instructions, leaving your dye on for the wrong amount if time can mean it wont look like you expect it too.
Make sure you use the provided conditioner to finish your hair, this is specially formulated to repair any damage the dye may of done while colouring your hair.
And this is the finished effect? What do you think?
I’m really pleased with the final shade and my hair was left feeling very smooth and silky as Olia is made with 60% oils and I could definitely feel that (I wasn’t sponsored to say this LOL, I didnt even get my money back remember!)
Would I use it again?
I would! Its a great price and it left my hair feeling great but I think next time I will go a shade lighter/brighter as the Deep Red was a little too dark for my liking at first look. Thats pretty typical for me as it usually takes a few washes before I’m happy with a new colour, but now its colour protect shampoo every time.
Garnier Olia hair dye – £6.99 available in all good supermarkets and chemists.
2D bag : Ebay – around £10.00 depending on p&p/custom charges
I first started seeing ‘cartoon bags’ in various blog posts from trendy websites such as Buzzfeed and Dazed & Confused. They are the bags that look like they are a drawing, but in reality are a very clever optical illusion – a flat item that looks 3D.
I wanted a brightly coloured one so searched eBay and soon found one in two of my favourite colours – orange and grey. By searching a few sellers I quickly found one that cost around £10 including the shipping and then waited with bated breath the 3-4 weeks it takes for it to arrive from the far east.
As you can see it is a very clever design – flat with an adjustable strap and a base that unzips making it larger. The rubber detailing just adds to the quirky ‘unreal’ look.
Apart from importing from the far east you can buy in the UK (more expensively obvs) from companies such as Jump from Paper who have a really great range including some cute clutch bags and backpacks.
Don’t you just hate when your clothes dont feel right? I am a stickler for perfection in fashion styling (its a throwback from being a Harrods window dresser) and like to customise things that aren’t quite right.
In todays blog I’ll show you a little fashion fix for when your belt is hanging down, looking messy and being generally annoying! Long belts are fine when youre wearing something with belt loops but I like to add belts to my dresses and skirts. Plus, it seems I always have too much belt left over (this belt is a S/M from Primark and is still too long!) as you can see below.
This hack works best with a plaited belt but you could also make a small hole in any belt yourself and do the same.
1) Firstly find yourself a bobby pin (the type you use to pin hair up).
2) Push the pin through the end of the belt where its too long. Make sure it is as near the end of the belt as possible.
3) Line up the belt where you want it to stay put and push the pin through both layers.
4) Twist the belt over so you can get to the underside and then bend out the ends of the bobby pin into a straight line.5) Turn the belt back over and line up the pin, so the pin is hidden underneath.
6) Pull down the belt so it is lined up with the waistband of your clothing and fits your waist snugly.
And Voila! A neat, fixed in place belt!
Simple, yet effective. Look out for other fashion hacks in further blogs.
Reuben started back at school last Wednesday and now we are all back in the busy routine of school runs, working days, clubs and play.
I have to say I have genuinely enjoyed the last 6 weeks. Although a struggle at times to manage childcare while working in marketing part-time and running an online vintage shop, the more laid-back vibe and opportunities to do new things together has been wonderful.
I, like many, dont have tons of spare cash to throw around so the summer holidays are always a mix of days out and either free activities or time at home. So in todays blog I thought I’d share some of the things we got up to big and small… hopefully making memories that will last for years to come.
Bletchley Park
This hidden gem on the outskirts of Milton Keynes is a great place to really experience the lives of the WW2 codebreakers (led by Alan Turing – who you may of seen immortalised in the Benedict Cumberbatch film The Imitation Game). Theres lots of information, exhibits and a replica of the Bombe, one of the first computers as well as an original German Enigma machine. The grounds and house are lovely with plenty of spots for picnics and fun, plus theres a cafe and restaurant too. A great historical visit that has something to interest everyone.
The National Museum of Computing
Next to Bletchley Park is the museum of computing and with two computer/gaming crazed 9 years olds we couldnt not visit! The museum holds all types of computing devices and the boys marvelled at the huge old computers from the 1960s as well as interacting with robots, retro consoles and even some virtual reality. There were lots of passionate helpers on hand to explain things and were very patient with our children helping them program, play and generally interact with the exhibits.
Cinema – Finding Dory
OK, its kinda a no-brainer but the cinema was a great day out for all of us and we made sure to fit in some ice cream afterwards! Finding Dory was a great film that all our children enjoyed (with the age difference this can be hard) and had a beautiful message.
Roald Dahl Museum
What a delight this place is. Small but perfectly formed, it is located in Buckinghamshire where Dahl lived and shares his childhood, all his wonderful work, insights on his process (he ate 3/4 bars of chocolate a day, wrote during strict working sessions and never cleaned his writing hut) and his ongoing legacy. Theres lots of interactive displays, memorabilia, storytelling and talks and a lovely little tea room if you fancy a slice of cake. It is great for school aged children as they are already familar with much of his writing and all visitors are given a cute pad and pencil to write down their ideas just as Dahl did.
The Science Museum
I’d not been to the Science Museum since I was a child and I was pleasantly surprised to see it had changed alot since then. Its free to get in, theres lots to see and do and kids eat free in the restaurant when you order and adult meal. However for all the REALLY cool stuff you do have to pay – the IMAX cinema, 4D experiences and flight simulators add up £ wise, but make for a cool techy day out…and if you travel by train you can get 2for1 vouchers which bought the cost down a lot. Great for inquisitive minds, young and old, and don’t get me started on the amazing gift shop…
Theme Parks
We are a thrill-seeking family so summer wouldnt be summer without a trip to a theme park. We visited both Alton Towers and Thorpe Park this summer and had a blast! Look for 2for1 vouchers and online codes to make it more affordable and think about bringing a picnic lunch. We usually purchase the refillable drinks bottles too and refill throughout the day via the Hydration Stations. Now our 9yr old’s are taller we have a lot more rides to go on so keeping hydrated is important!
thorpe park and alton towers
Swimming
The pool, the garden, who cares?!? If its hot get wet! Our local pool does lots of kid friendly swim sessions and we bought a bigger paddling pool last year and I was determined we would get good use out of it! Again quick and easy, but very fun.
Trampoline Park
This was a new experience for us as a family and boy it was fun! Be warned though it is EXHAUSTING! Our local trampoline park has a ‘Total Wipeout’ machine, dodgeball and basketball areas and lots of high points to jump off of! We will definitely be visiting again.
Frappincino Dates
A simple quick thing to do but it feels special. I love having a Starbucks ‘date’ with my 9 year old and it makes him feel very grown up. He knows its a treat (those drinks are yummy but calorific) and we get some sweet one on one time.
Days at the Seaside
Living in Kent we have quite the pick of the seaside towns. Margate, Whitstable, Broadstairs and Herne Bay are all great to visit and filled with everything you would expect. We walked the pier, played in the amusements (2p machines a speciality), ate chips and swam in the sea. Just perfect.
And of course there were plenty of quieter days at home. This year I made sure our boys didn’t expect to do something everyday and they made use of the many toys and books they have as well as visiting our local play park and spending time with other family members. All in all I think we found a good balance.
Find more photos via my Instagram – follow all the photographic fun and games here.
Those who know me know I love to try new beauty products. Part of my blog tagline is ‘here to prove you can be 40 and still look great’ but that takes work…and great beauty products!
I had heard quite a bit about certain ‘wonder products’ that had originally come from Korean beauty ideas so when Skin Chemists sent me their Advanced Snail Eye Serum* I was pretty excited!
“Snail?!?” I hear you say. Yes, this eye serum has snail secretions in it! Never one to back down from trying something that could make me look younger I dived straight in.
So firstly what does Skin Chemists say about this wonder product?
“Our Advanced Snail Serum works to actively lift, tighten and repair the skin for a younger, more flawless complexion. Snail Secretion, derived from the natural defensive liquid secreted by snails aims to delay premature ageing of the skin, whilst reducing visible age spots and providing protection from free radicaldamage. Osilift, a natural sugar from purified oat extracts, aims to instantly lift and tighten the skin to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid aims to rejuvenate the skin by boosting natural hyaluronic acid levels found within the layers of the skin, to plump and hydrate. Starflower Oil, rich in essential fatty acirds, provides lipid nutrients, which aim to effectively replenish skin tissues in order to slow the natural ageing process.”
Ok sounds interesting…so what did I think?
Firstly the product looks great. It is in an easy to use pump action bottle that delivers just the right amount of serum for use.
Secondly, it smells divine. It goes on easily and leaves no residue which is great as it means you can put make up over it if you use it in the morning (the instructions suggest morning and night applications for best results).
The instructions said to apply using your ring finger for a very light application but I just very gently applied it around my eyes using my index finger concentrating on the lower area (where those pesky bags/shadows are). As you can see from the photo below I have noticable shadows below my eyes without make-up.
And after about 2/3 weeks of use? Well the first thing I noticed was my under-eyes are looking brighter and plumper.
Its always hard to show differences in photos due to differences in light etc but I definitely can see a difference. The hollows of my eyes look less and the skin seems more luminous. I dont have a lot of lines on my face yet so can’t comment on if it helps fine lines but the few I have havent got any worse and I can imagine this product would keep it that way.
And finally – would I recommend?
Yes I would. This is a premium product with a price tag to match but it does make a noticable difference. I used it regularly morning and night and I have definitely used less concealer since. A little goes a long way and I am looking forward to trying more of Skin Chemists wonder products.
Find the full range of Skin Chemists products here.
*This was a gifted item. For my disclosure statement please see here.
La Redoute is a French mail order company with a catalogue (an actual printed one you can flick through!) and a huge online shop selling womens, mens, kidswear and home. It is super stylish as you would expect from the French but also very reasonably priced! I placed my first order this month from their Summer sale and I have become utterly obsessed.
Have a look at my first 5 buys…
1 – ‘Soft Grey’ gingham ruffle shirt
Fitted with a western vibe, I am sold on this cute top. Perfect with skinny jeans and a ‘yee-ha’ attitude…
2 – ‘Mademoiselle M’ lace blouse
Very feminine with lovely lace detailing this top looks so much more expensive than it was…for modesty you do need a cami underneath though!
3 – ‘Soft Grey’ tie waist midi skirt
I’d been looking for a midi denim skirt for a while and this was perfect…and I do love a skirt or dress with pockets!
4 – Soft Grey’ high neck blouse
Inspired by blogger Erica Davis from the un-edited (again) I had to order this. Come Autumn I will be wearing this with EVERYTHING in fact I am already!
5 – ‘Soft Grey’ embroidered peasant top
Want a throw on summer top? This is perfect…and the embroidery and detailing are top notch…
And best of all, all these items were less than £15 each!
Other things I loved – you can order everything ‘click and collect’ to your local Hermes parcelshop so delivery is free and returns are free too. This is great when you’re still getting used to the sizing and want to order 2 sizes to compare. They have lots of customer promo code offers for full priced items – usually 20/25% but sometimes have a 40% off code so keep your eyes peeled – its worth signing up to their newsletter to keep in the loop. I have only bought in the sale but can’t wait for the new season offers.
Their home range is AMAZING! So far I’ve bought the most stunning rug. I blogged about it here and am coveting quite a few other pieces for when we decorate our lounge. The quality and design is some of the best I’ve seen in a non-premium range.
Things I didn’t love – I think you could say that La Redoute customer service is hit and miss. I had a parcel go missing (which finally got found), email confirmations werent always sent and delivery can take 7-10 days. However it is worth putting up with the less than slick operation as the clothes are wonderful quality and feel so different from the usual High St offering.
I’ve just placed another large order so look out for more items coming soon…
My fiancé and I are currently in the process of doing up our home but one area that is done is the kitchen/diner. Whenever I share images of it on Instagram it always gets a great reaction and in todays blog I show some of the styling in more detail.
The Diner:
Two rooms have been knocked through and the diner part of the kitchen is all about curves. An original 1960’s Arkana tulip table and chair set takes pride of place (I had the seat pads reupholstered into a more child friendly brown vinyl) and a curved statement lamp provides focused light with inset ceiling spotlights providing the general room lighting. Many of my favourite posessions sit in this space together including a lot of pieces by the designer Piero Fornasetti which I collect…Table & chairs / eBay, Side table / eBay, Lamp / Marks & Spencer, Gazelle head / Marks & SpencerLarge artwork & frame / IKEA, Black & white canvas artwork / Primark Home, Vintage robots / eBayFornasetti upholstered chair / eBay,Fornasetti cushion / eBay, Black & white cushion / Primark HomeVintage vases & bowls / eBayFornasetti ‘Themes and Variations’ plates / Selfridges, Liberty, eBaySet of drawers / Matalan, Balloon dog / The Range, ‘Endless Style’ trinket box / Wilkinsons
The Kitchen:
Looking back from the diner into the kitchen the main focal point is our orange Smeg fridge/freezer. This is a strong design statement but luckily the kitchen itself is all simple white gloss with no visible handles which the previous owner had installed and I, miraculously, liked! (the worktops, like the cupboards, were here when we moved in and not my ideal worktop choice but until I can afford granite they will have to stay…)Fridge / Smeg, Toaster / Dualit, Kitchen roll holder / Alessi, Canvas art / WilkinsonsDish rack / House of FraserStorage jars / Alessi, Spoon rest / IKEA, Utensil pot / Homebase, Utensils / Dunelm Mill, TK Maxx, SainburysJuicer / Alessi, Salt Mill / Matalan, Pepper Mill / SainburysHello sign / Primark
We are working through the house one room at a time but this area is one that I just love to be in. And the next area of attack? We have the finishing touches to add to the master bedroom and then a big project – to create a utility room, cloakroom and study in a space that is currently derelict!!! Watch this space…
Find my previous blog on what we did to the hall, stairs and landing here.
My name is Sarah and I have a problem… with buying sunglasses.
Like most of you, sunglasses are a staple of my wardrobe throughout the summer and I can’t go anywhere without some. I love the fact they add an extra element to an outfit and if needed, hide a multitude of sins. No make up on? Eye bags? No problem!
I choose different shapes for different dressing styles and always keep spare pair in both my handbag and car glove-box.
An oversized cats-eye looks stylish and makes your face look slimmer…Sunglasses / New Look
A decorated frame can make a simple outfit look dressed up…Or go or all and clash your patterns!!!Both Sunglasses / Primark
A formal style can be mixed with a casual outfit to dress it up a little…Sunglasses / Kookai
A statement pair will get peoples attention and scream ‘fashion’…Sunglasses / Primark
A classic colour such as tortoise shell will see you through summer after summer…Sunglasses / TopShop
And black just goes with everything…!Sunglasses / Store TwentyOne
Even my 10 year old cant resist…Sunglasses / Primark Kids
At last count I had 14 pairs and I can honestly say I dont regret a pair of them! From £150 RayBans to £1 Primark sale buys, sunglasses really are THE summer accessory essential – throw them in your bag or suitcase this summer and they will make any outfit look better…
So whats your favourite pair? And do you make sure you have a matching pair for every outfit too?
always a blue sky girl 
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